ANNUAL REPORT 2012 - WBFN

Special EventsAnnual Potluck PicnicThe Annual Potluck Picnic is a long-running tradition at WBFN, bringing WBG spouses/partners, staff, and families together for a day of fun and food during the fall. Each guestis asked to contribute a plate of food to share, and games and activities keep childrenentertained for the afternoon.170 adults and children attended WBFN’s 2011 Annual Potluck Picnic on October 15, heldat the Bretton Woods Recreation Center in Germantown, Maryland. Families got involvedin playing games and Men@WBFN volunteers coached soccer for children and adults alike.While most of those who attended were seasoned members, the organizers were pleased towelcome among the newcomers one family who had arrived in DC only two days before!Difficulties in recruiting volunteers for the day left a small group of volunteers with a greatresponsibility on the day, which they managed with patience and skill. Their willingness andeffort made the picnic enjoyable for all those that attended.Following the 2011 Fall Picnic, the Executive Committee decided to test the concept of holdingthe Annual Picnic in the spring rather than the fall. As a result, the first Spring Picnicwas organized for Saturday, April 14, 2012. With its “African safari” theme, the Spring Picnicattracted around 250 attendees who spent the afternoon sharing and enjoying delicious food,playing games, and taking part in numerous activities led by WBFN volunteers. Given thesuccess of the Spring Picnic, it was decided that, going forward, the Annual Picnic will alwaysbe held in spring.Children’s Holiday PartyThe Children’s Holiday Party (CHP) is an annual gathering of WBFN members andtheir spouses/partners and children to celebrate the winter holiday season. The party usuallytakes place in the Atrium of the WBG’s MC building. Attendees enjoy light refreshments,games, entertainment, and much more.This year, the CHP was attended by 636 parents and children and the atmosphere was funand welcoming. The theme was The Polar Express, shown through impressive decoration allover the MC Atrium. This year’s entertainment was again provided by Barry the Magician,who never fails to delight the children. The spread of party food was very popular and therewere almost no leftovers to deal with at the end.As in previous years, a check of the money raised by ticket sales was presented to the Children’sLaw Center (CLC), this year for $3000. This money was used to brighten the holidayseason for 15 local children. This year it became clear that it would be more effective to presentthe check to the CLC just before the magician’s show rather than afterwards, as morepeople are present.A new system of timed tickets to see Santa was implemented this year. Upon arrival at theparty, each child received a ticket with a set time for their visit to Santa. This system helped toreduce the size of the line and meant that there was no line left by the time the party ended.This year, the party was lucky to have seven face painters. The larger number of face paintersmeant that they could rotate and each take a break.One challenge identified was that the team had difficulty communicating with each otherduring the party itself, and it was suggested that some walkie talkies should be purchased fornext year’s party (and other WBFN events).50 51